'Spark of Love' at Pali Fire Stations

Brand new toys are rolling in to Pacific Palisades fire stations this week. And it's not because Santa is doing a few test runs before the big night. The toys are generous donations by Palisadians who are hoping to help kids who otherwise wouldn't receive holiday gifts.

Firefighters at both and are collecting new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for the annual "Spark of Love" toy drive. The effort, now in it's 19th year, is spear-headed by local news organization ABC7, the Los Angeles City Fire Department and Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura county firefighters. Spark of Love distributed over 500,000 toys last year, according to the ABC7 website.

Firefighter Craig Thompson, from Fire Station 23, said he had seen quite a few generous donations this year. He even said one Highlands resident stopped by the other day, her car brimming with toys.

Thompson said the local fire stations are collecting donations through Christmas Day. He also said not to worry if you drop off a toy on Christmas Day. Spark of Love organizers hold on to the late toy deliveries so that they have a head start on donations for the next holiday season, according to Thompson.

There are a few ways you may donate to the Spark of Love toy drive. Not only are you able to drop off toys to local fire stations, you can also donate money towards the effort.

• For more information about Spark of Love, click here for details from ABC7.

Will you be donating to Spark of Love? Send us a photo when you drop off your donation! Please email them to amanda.salem@patch.com, or upload them to the article, using the "Upload Photos and Videos" button below.